Canoe fish finder advice

[JM76]

What are you guys using for fish finders on your kayaks/canoes? i'm looking to pick one up for my canoe. I'd like to spend around $100, no more than $150. Merry Christmas to me! I've been doing some research, I'm not sure if I should get something portable (like an iBobber) and just use my phone, or if i should get something like a Garmin Striker 4. The thing about the Striker 4, is I'd have to rig up a mount for the transducer and the unit, get a battery, waterproof battery box, etc. I like the thought of using a portable that I can toss in the water and use my phone to view. Seems simpler, but I know I'd get better results with the Garmin. Also looking at a few fish finders that charge via USB and don't require a battery. But those are the Fishtrax and the Lucky and I'm not sure they are quality products that will give me accurate results. Any ideas/thoughts/advice?? Thanks in advance!

[Chris52]

Check out the FishTrax Series, made by Hawkeye Electronics. They have several models in your price range. You can buy direct from their web site, or you might find them sale-priced on Amazon. They are portable, run on four AA batteries, and use a floating transducer attached by a long cord. I have been using the FishTrax 1-C for two years, in my kayak, with the transducer mounted and run through a scupper hole. Great customer support, videos on their web site so you can see how they operate.

[derekp]

Years ago I wanted a FF on my canoe. Here is what I did. BTW, I sold it to FishWhisperer.

http://www.derekspace.net/fishpic17.htm

Good luck with your choice!

[Joetrain]

When I fished out of my canoe I pressed a lump of duct seal on the floor of the canoe and smooshed my transducer down into it.
The transducer will shoot through the hull and you can take it off when you are finished for the day. I am using it right now on my yak no issues at all. Duct seal can be found at any home improvement store in the electrical dept. I never liked having my transducer in the water. It created noticeable drag when I was paddling.

My finder is a Lowrance Elite 4X. It’s a bare bones unit but does what I want it to do. This is similar to mine.

https://www.lowrance.com/lowrance/type/fishfinders-chartplotters/hook2-4x-bullet-skimmer/

~JOE~

[The Mad Duck]

I'm using the Garmin Striker 4 in both of my kayaks. As mentioned by JoeTrain, I used duct putty to secure my transducer to the inside of my hull to "shoot through". On my Slayer XC, I shoot it through the electronics module. On the Big Rig, Its inside the hull about 1/3 of the way back. I installed wire caps to keep the wires in place. Both installs work very well.

Duct Putty:
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Gardner-Ben...E&gclsrc=aw.ds

Wire Caps:
https://www.westmarine.com/buy/west-...01?recordNum=1

[crappie89]

I'm using the Garmin Striker 4 in both of my kayaks. As mentioned by JoeTrain, I used duct putty to secure my transducer to the inside of my hull to "shoot through". On my Slayer XC, I shoot it through the electronics module. On the Big Rig, Its inside the hull about 1/3 of the way back. I installed wire caps to keep the wires in place. Both installs work very well.

Duct Putty:
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Gardner-Ben...E&gclsrc=aw.ds

Wire Caps:
https://www.westmarine.com/buy/west-...01?recordNum=1

Do you know what the gauge of the wire is on the striker 4? I want to make a quick disconnect for mine and will need to splice a few wires together.

[Green Gator]

I second the Hawkeye Fish Trax. Good quality unit and with the floating transducer you can check water temp in deeper holes.

[JM76]

Great info, thanks so much guys! I'm leaning towards the Striker 4. I like the idea of mounting the transducer in the hull but if I did that I wouldn't get water temps. The FishTrax is nice as well, but it's not cheap, and the unit isn't rechargeable, runs on AA or AAA batteries which I would have to constantly replace. For similar $$ I can get the Striker 4, runs off of a 12V rechargeable battery, and it looks like it has more features.

[Joetrain]

Great info, thanks so much guys! I'm leaning towards the Striker 4. I like the idea of mounting the transducer in the hull but if I did that I wouldn't get water temps. The FishTrax is nice as well, but it's not cheap, and the unit isn't rechargeable, runs on AA or AAA batteries which I would have to constantly replace. For similar $$ I can get the Striker 4, runs off of a 12V rechargeable battery, and it looks like it has more features.

With a floor mount you will still get water temperature although it will be a few degrees off.
~JOE~

[zebralips]

Striker 4 is an awesome little unit. If u mount the transduce to the floor with duct seal under a seat u can just leave it and forget about it. One less thing to worry about... I'm always forgetting something I need 100% of the time haha

[Samuel999]

I think you are on the right track. I use a Deeper Smart Sonar along with my smart phone. It is good for depth, temp and bottom, but gets lots of false fish readings. It is very convenient but I cant recommend it.

[The Mad Duck]

I honestly do not know what gauge the wires are. Might try giving Garmin a call

[crappie89]

I contacted Garmin and the guy said "like 18" so I will assume 18!

[Joetrain]

Post a picture of your quick connect. I would be interested in seeing it.
~JOE~

[crappie89]

Post a picture of your quick connect. I would be interested in seeing it.
~JOE~

Here is a blog that explains it. I am waiting to receive a few parts before I put everything together.

http://palmettokayakfishing.blogspot...-ride-135.html